Being a Skeptic Doesn’t Make Me a Bad Person
“By doubting we are led to question, by questioning we arrive at the truth.” Peter Abelard
Recently, I aired my opinion via several stories, about another Medium writer and whether or not I thought their much-ballyhooed situation was circumspect. Perhaps that was a mistake on my part. Certainly, the balls-out way I went about it, was, as at least one reader “implied,” that I’m lacking in “empathy.”
So, I took some heat for those stories, not a lot, but just enough, you know? And I’m okay with that as my writing is blunt, and from the heart, and admittedly, not for everyone. I’ve gotten slapped down before and I will, again. When you’re an acquired taste, you must be ready to take what you dish out. (Newbies, remember that one.)
That said, I’m sorry, but I don’t know any way else to be. I’ve faced many obstacles in my life, like every other person on this planet and I no longer have the time, nor the inclination for bullshit. Or, what I perceive to be bullshit.
And that is all I’m going to say about that.
The focus of this piece is the “bigger picture” and what I believe to be a troubling behavioral pattern that has taken hold of our society by the collective throat, and that is, not to question. To take “stuff” at face value.
Consider that for a second. If you don’t find that frightening, then you probably shouldn’t read on. Because I do find this blind acceptance of what others wish us to believe, whether for personal gain, or sympathy or due to some psychological imbalance, scary AF. Like those who continue to support a treasonous ex-president.
Know that I’m not referencing close friends or family members. That’s not to say that they don’t lie or commit acts of subterfuge, but I’m focusing on the blind trust we instill in virtual strangers on a platform like this one.
As misogynistic as I’ve become — due in part, to this past year and my general makeup — I know in my heart that good and kind people exist. I’ve connected with many of them right here and consider these connections as blessings.
To you special people, I say, “thank you.”
Thank you for talking me off the ledge when I need it and for talking me up when my confidence lags. That’s what true friends do and I hope I can always do the same for you.
Certainly, you’re all familiar with that scam whereby someone claiming to be from Nigeria, or thereabouts, emailed people and asked for large sums of money to get out of some dire situation that was obviously fabricated?
Most of us laughed at that and immediately sent the joker to “spam.” But did you know that there was a surprising number of folks who fell for that and lost their shirts?
People routinely fall for such bullshit as “diets” that allow us to lose twenty pounds in a month without breaking a sweat.
Or for dating scams where women from third-world countries initiating online dating with lonely guys who should know better and then quickly negotiate a fee so they can come to the U.S. and marry their mark? What do you think happens? They skip with the money, naturally.
And the list goes on:
Sweepstake scams Investment scams “Sob story” scams False announcements about Covid Work-from-home scams telling people they can make five grand a week
Sadly, there is no shortage of felonious bastards nor vulnerable people.
Right here, we’re regularly told, by self-professed “experts,” how to make bank every month and every single “tip” I’ve seen is utter bullshit.
Here’s the secret folks: With a little bit of talent and a hell of a lot of luck, you, too, can be successful, and then you can tell others how to do the same. And then you can peddle courses and workshops that gullible people will throw their hard-earned money at and your bottom line will rise like the sun in the east.
Know how to sniff out the bullshit, folks. It’s not hard. Bullshit stinks. And ask questions. That doesn’t make you bad, just smart.
In case you’re wondering why people are so gullible, Psychology Today has some answers for you. Here’s a quick recap of what I discovered:
They lack street smarts and/or common sense. In other words, highly susceptible to bunk.
They unconditionally respect authority and tend to conform. They believe being a “decent” human being entails always being cooperative with others.
They are overconfident in their knowledge. Makes sense doesn’t it? The same kind of unquestioning “belief” that goes on right here.
They lack self-control and tend to make impulsive decisions. Like donating to causes and charities without checking on their legitimacy.
They think it’s a good idea because others agree! “Lemmings, line up.”
This is just a sampling of why people fall for the untenable.
And that’s all I’m going to say about that.
The subtitle for this story, a quote by 12th-century French philosopher and theologian, Peter Abelard, perfectly sums up what I’m trying to get across here and am probably failing miserably at.
Yes. I’m a skeptic. And I have a low tolerance for bullshit as well as the manipulation of sympathetic people for personal gain. I’m not mean, unkind, or lacking in empathy. For those of you who don’t know me, perhaps in a different capacity, you’d understand what I’m really about.
Questioning is healthy, as is keeping an open mind and an open heart, but, as I’ve come to learn, sometimes it’s best to just let things ride. As hard as it is.
Thank you for reading.
© Sherry McGuinn, 2021. All Rights Reserved.
Sherry McGuinn is a slightly-twisted, longtime Chicago-area writer and award-winning screenwriter. Her work has appeared in The Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, and numerous other publications. Sherry’s soon-to-be-ex-manager is currently NOT pitching her newest screenplay, a drama with dark, comedic overtones and inspired by a true story.
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